Thank you for your interest in the Certification Examination for Diabetes Educators. Applications for the fall 2010 examination will be accepted July 15 - September 15. Individuals who apply and receive confirmation of eligibility may schedule an appointment to take the examination on a first-come, first-served basis in November or December at one of more than 170 Assessment Centers throughout the United States and select international locations. Prior to applying, interested individuals will want to review the current Certification Handbook in order to ensure they are aware of all of the pertinent policies and procedures related to the application and examination processes.

Who can apply online?
1) Any initial applicant who is applying under a qualifying license or registration;
2) Any individual whose CDE credential lapsed prior to 2009 who is applying under a qualifying license or registration;
3) Any current CDE who can document meeting the renewal practice requirement; and
4) Any individual whose CDE credential lapsed in 2009 who can document meeting the renewal practice requirement.

Who cannot apply online, but is welcome to apply using the paper application?
1) Any initial applicant who is applying under a qualifying advanced degree;
2) Any individual whose CDE credential lapsed prior to 2009 who is applying under a qualifying advanced degree;
3) Any current CDE who CANNOT document meeting the renewal practice requirement; and
4) Any individual whose CDE credential lapsed in 2009 who CANNOT document meeting the renewal practice requirement.

CDEs and any individuals with lapsed CDE credentials who apply online will need to have their certificate/CDE number available prior to starting the application process. This eight digit number can be found on the individual's certificate, wallet card, or on the top line of the mailing address information on the NCBDE News. You may also contact the NCBDE national office, 847-228-9795 or info@ncbde.org (include name, last 4 digits of social security number, and mailing address information) for your CDE number.

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*REMINDER -- Beginning with CDEs whose credentials will expire 12/31/2010, individuals will need to document a minimum of 1000 hours of professional practice experience during the five-year certification cycle, in addition to either taking the Certification Examination or renewing by continuing education. The professional practice requirement for renewal of certification, however, is not the same as that required for initial certification. NCBDE recognizes that diabetes education is an evolving specialty and that experienced CDEs often assume roles other than the practice of diabetes self-management education required for initial certification. For more information on this requirement, please visit NCBDE's web site at http://www.ncbde.org/practice_require.cfm.

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NOTE- A CDE Practice Examination (PE) is available. The PE contains 50 multiple-choice questions and is illustrative of the type and format of questions used in the actual examinations and allows an individual to practice taking an abbreviated version of the examination. The fee for the PE is $50. Individuals can take the PE online within a 60 day window after purchase. For more information about the PE and how to purchase one, please go to "Order Practice Test".

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NEW - Initial Certification Eligibility Requirements to Change in 2010
NCBDE has approved changes to the professional practice experience requirements for initial certification that will take effect in 2010. The NCBDE Board of Directors believes these changes will provide diabetes educators with more flexibility in meeting the requirements, while ensuring that individuals pursuing certification acquire distinct and specialized knowledge and that the knowledge acquired reflects advances in health care for people with diabetes. No changes were made to the Discipline requirements. Please visit NCBDE's web site for information on the changes.

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The 2010 Renewal of Certification by Continuing Education Handbook (and Application) is available via download and mail. To obtain the 2010 Renewal of Certification by Continuing Education Handbook via mail, submit a request including your mailing address, by e-mail to info@ncbde.org . There is no charge for the handbook and application.